Stories for September 9, 2010

Two big hearts flanking the initials C.K. graced the sky over Interstate 15 today. A skywriter drew the five mile long message to remember Poway teenager Chelsea King. She was killed last fall by a convicted child molester.

Most thoughts of Labor Day are restricted to planning long weekends and remembering to put out your garbage a day late that week. But people who work in daily journalism have to find new ways to talk about these holidays every year. So here’s my take on Labor Day this year. It begins with a story.

Long before Shepard Fairey's Obey stickers appeared on San Diego walls, a series of "NO ART"stencils could be found all over the city. The identity of the artist was a mystery...until now. Culture Lust contributor Dave Hampton did some sleuthing and tracked down the "NO ART" artist.

We'll talk about a camping expedition for foodies, an evening of South Asian and Persian dance, and some interesting films screening over the weekend. Our culture scouts Maya Kroth and Kelly Bennett give us their weekend picks.

From tiny toy pianos to street wide music festivals, this is set to be a euphonic (and euphoric) Culture Lust weekend. Don't miss The Ocean Beach Music & Arts Festival, the San Diego Music Awards or the Thrift Store Cowboys.

Last month, a derelict building on 12th and Broadway in downtown San Diego was demolished by its current owner, the Salvation Army. San Diego's Save Our Heritage Organization requested historic designation for the art deco building, designed by internationally known designer Walter Teague, but was refused by the City Attorney's office. We discuss the regulations relevant to historic preservation.

When will state lawmakers reach an agreement on how to cut California's $19 billion budget deficit? We talk to John Myers, from "The California Report," about the budget delays and the ongoing debate about the governor's furlough order. We'll also discuss the important races and ballot measures that will appear on the statewide ballot in November.

A couple years ago actor Joaquin Phoenix claimed to be retiring from acting in order to pursue a career in hip-hop music. Now the film "I'm Still Here" (opening September 10 at Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas) chronicles that rocky transition and raises a few questions.

When you think about the martial arts, knights in armor usually do not come to mind. But a new book which examines martial arts and philosophy finds links with the medieval code of chivalry. We'll speak with a San Diegan who's busy introducing that code to modern students.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Chelsea’s Law in San Diego Thursday to put some sex offenders away for life. Friends, family and lawmakers attended the ceremony in Balboa Park to honor the murdered Poway teen the law is named for.